Donnie Murphy

{{Infobox baseball biography

| name = Donnie Murphy

| image = Donnie Murphy on August 25, 2012.jpg

| image_size = 240px

| caption = Murphy with the New Orleans Zephyrs in 2012

| position = Infielder

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1983|3|10}}

| birth_place = Lakewood, California, U.S.

| bats = Right

| throws = Right

|debutleague = MLB

| debutdate = September 18

| debutyear = 2004

| debutteam = Kansas City Royals

| finalleague=MLB

|finaldate=July 4

|finalyear=2014

|finalteam=Texas Rangers

|statleague = MLB

| stat1label = Batting average

| stat1value = .212

| stat2label = Home runs

| stat2value = 33

| stat3label = Runs batted in

| stat3value = 119

| teams =

Kansas City Royals ({{Baseball year|2004}}–{{Baseball year|2005}})
Oakland Athletics ({{Baseball year|2007}}–{{Baseball year|2008}})
Florida / Miami Marlins ({{Baseball year|2010}}–{{Baseball year|2012}})
Chicago Cubs ({{mlby|2013}})
Texas Rangers ({{mlby|2014}})

}}

Donald Rex Murphy (born March 10, 1983) is an American former professional baseball infielder. He attended Riverside Polytechnic High School and Orange Coast Community College in Costa Mesa, California,{{cite book

| title = 2007 Oakland Athletics Media Guide

| url = http://pressbox.mlb.com/pressbox/downloads/y2007/oak/coaches_players_a_t.pdf

| access-date = 2007-06-13

| publisher = MLB Advanced Media

| pages = [http://pressbox.mlb.com/pressbox/downloads/y2007/oak/coaches_players_a_t.pdf#page=125 pgs. 145–147]

| archive-date = November 30, 2007

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071130215823/http://pressbox.mlb.com/pressbox/downloads/y2007/oak/coaches_players_a_t.pdf

| url-status = dead

}} and was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 5th round of the 2002 Major League Baseball draft.{{cite web

|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/m/murphdo01.shtml#TRANS

|title=Donnie Murphy Statistics – Baseball-Reference.com – Transactions

|access-date=2007-06-13

|publisher=Sports Reference, Inc.

}}

He is currently the manager for the Class A-Advanced Dunedin Blue Jays, a position he was named to in 2020 after spending several years as a hitting coach in the Toronto Blue Jays organization.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/dunedin/news/dunedin-blue-jays-announce-2020-coaching-staff-312610048|title=Dunedin Blue Jays Announce 2020 Coaching Staff|work=Dunedin Blue Jays|date=January 31, 2020|access-date=February 1, 2020}}

Playing career

=Kansas City Royals=

In {{mlby|2004}} and {{mlby|2005}}, he appeared in 39 games for the Royals, hitting .163 with one home run and eleven RBI.

=Oakland Athletics=

Murphy was acquired by the Oakland Athletics in exchange for cash considerations on November 28, 2006.{{cite web|url=http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061128&content_id=1747021&vkey=news_oak&fext=.jsp&c_id=oak|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304021300/http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061128&content_id=1747021&vkey=news_oak&fext=.jsp&c_id=oak|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 4, 2012|title=A's acquire Murphy from Royals|access-date=2007-06-14|last=Quinn|first=Ryan|date=2006-11-28|work=MLB.com}}

File:Dmurphy.jpg]]

He began the {{Baseball year|2007}} season at Sacramento, the A's Pacific Coast League Triple-A affiliate. He hit .342 for the River Cats and was recalled to Oakland June 8 when Milton Bradley was placed on the disabled list.{{cite web|url=http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070609&content_id=2015082&vkey=news_oak&fext=.jsp&c_id=oak|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304021341/http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070609&content_id=2015082&vkey=news_oak&fext=.jsp&c_id=oak|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 4, 2012|title=Notes: Calf strain puts Bradley on DL|access-date=2007-06-14|last=Urban|first=Mychael|date=2007-06-09|work=MLB.com}}

=Baltimore Orioles=

Murphy was signed by the Baltimore Orioles to a minor league deal with a spring training invitation for the 2009 season.{{cite web|url=http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/schmuck/2008/11/orioles_agree_on_minor_league_deal_with_former_as_utility_man_murphy.html|title=Orioles agree on minor league deal with former A's utility man Murphy|access-date=2008-11-15|last=Zrebiec|first=Jeff|date=2008-11-14|publisher=Baltimore Sun}}{{cite news|last1=Gonzalez|first1=Alden|title=O's ink Hennessey, Murphy to deals|url=http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081117&content_id=3682573&vkey=news_bal&fext=.jsp&c_id=bal|access-date=August 17, 2014|work=MLB.com|date=November 17, 2008|archive-date=August 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819084812/http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081117&content_id=3682573&vkey=news_bal&fext=.jsp&c_id=bal|url-status=dead}}

=Florida/Miami Marlins=

File:1ST Donnie Murphy.jpg

On December 14, 2009, Murphy signed a minor league contract with the Florida Marlins with an invitation to spring training.{{cite news|last1=Rodriguez|first1=Juan C.|title=Florida Marlins Add Four On Minor League Deals|url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2009-12-14/sports/0912150267_1_expos-marlins-bats|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819090159/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2009-12-14/sports/0912150267_1_expos-marlins-bats|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 19, 2014|access-date=August 17, 2014|publisher=Sun-Sentinel|date=December 14, 2009}} He was called up on July 3, 2010.{{cite news|title=Marlins call up INF Donnie Murphy from minors|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=5352237|access-date=August 17, 2014|agency=Associated Press|work=ESPN.com|date=July 3, 2010}} He hit a walk-off home run to defeat the Colorado Rockies on July 19, 2010.{{cite news|title=Jimenez roughed up again as Rockies falter in Marlins' walk-off win|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=300719128|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621163947/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=300719128|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 21, 2023|access-date=August 17, 2014|agency=Associated Press|work=ESPN.com|date=July 19, 2010}} It was the first walk-off home run by the Marlins that season. Continuing to play with the Marlins in a utility role, Murphy's season was cut short on September 1 when he dislocated his right wrist on a tough catch in the fourth inning.{{cite news|last1=Rodriguez|first1=Juan C.|title=Murphy exits in fourth with dislocated wrist|url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2010-09-01/sports/fl-marlins-recap-0902-20100901_1_murphy-exits-wrist-three-marlins-homers|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330060629/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2010-09-01/sports/fl-marlins-recap-0902-20100901_1_murphy-exits-wrist-three-marlins-homers|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 30, 2012|access-date=August 17, 2014|publisher=Sun-Sentinel|date=September 1, 2010}} He had surgery the following day, ending one of his most successful seasons.{{cite news|last1=Rodriguez|first1=Juan|title=Donnie Murphy has season-ending wrist surgery|url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2010-09-02/sports/fl-donnie-murphy-surgery-online-only-20100902_1_wrist-surgery-donnie-murphy-brace|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100903232809/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2010-09-02/sports/fl-donnie-murphy-surgery-online-only-20100902_1_wrist-surgery-donnie-murphy-brace|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 3, 2010|access-date=August 17, 2014|publisher=Sun-Sentinel|date=September 2, 2010}}{{cite news|last1=Frisaro|first1=Joe|title=Marlins place Murphy on DL, recall Petersen|url=http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110502&content_id=18527832&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb|access-date=August 17, 2014|work=MLB.com|date=May 2, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819085725/http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110502&content_id=18527832&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb|archive-date=August 19, 2014|url-status=dead}}

Murphy became a free agent on October 15 after refusing a minor league assignment. He was re-signed to a minor league contract on October 18.{{cite news|last1=Polishuk|first1=Mark|title=Marlins Re-Sign Donnie Murphy|url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/10/marlins-re-sign-donnie-murphy.html|access-date=August 17, 2014|publisher=MLB Trade Rumors|date=October 18, 2010}}

In 2012, Murphy ended up on the 25-man roster for the Marlins going into opening day. On June 10, 2012, the Marlins designated Murphy for assignment to make room for Gaby Sánchez. He passed waivers and was sent to the New Orleans Zephyrs. On July 27, he was recalled by the Marlins after a trade sent Hanley Ramírez and Randy Choate to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Nathan Eovaldi and Scott McGough. On August 3, he pulled his left hamstring against the Washington Nationals. Five days later, he was placed on the 15-day DL. On August 19, he and Emilio Bonifacio were both reinstated. Murphy ended the year with three homers, six doubles, two triples, 12 RBIs, nine walks and one stolen base while batting .216 in 116 at-bats.

On October 18, 2012, Murphy was outrighted off the Marlins' 40-man roster and elected free agency.

=Milwaukee Brewers=

On December 17, 2012, Murphy signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers.{{cite news|last1=McCalvy|first1=Adam|title=Brewers ink Murphy, continue relief search|url=http://milwaukee.brewers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121217&content_id=40694762&vkey=news_mil&c_id=mil|access-date=August 17, 2014|work=MLB.com|date=December 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121230190656/http://milwaukee.brewers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121217&content_id=40694762&vkey=news_mil&c_id=mil|archive-date=December 30, 2012|url-status=dead}} He was released on March 27, 2013.{{cite news|title=Gallardo strong for 6 1-3 innings, Brewers top KC|url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/gallardo-strong-6-1-3-innings-brewers-top-kc|access-date=August 17, 2014|agency=Associated Press|date=March 27, 2013|archive-date=August 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819084244/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/gallardo-strong-6-1-3-innings-brewers-top-kc|url-status=dead}}

=Chicago Cubs=

In April 2013, Murphy signed with the Chicago Cubs.{{cite news|last1=Perrotto|first1=John|title=Pirates 3, Cubs 0|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2013/04/03/pirates-3-cubs-0/|access-date=August 17, 2014|work=Chicago Tribune|date=April 3, 2013}} Murphy hit a career-high 11 home runs in 2013 with Chicago, leading to him signing a one-year deal worth $825,000 with the Cubs after the season.{{cite news|last1=Muskat|first1=Carrie|title=Cubs retain nine with signings, contract tenders|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/mlb/chicago-cubs-sign-donnie-murphy-george-kottaras-tender-contracts-to-seven-players?ymd=20131203&content_id=64348092&vkey=news_mlb|access-date=August 17, 2014|work=MLB.com|date=December 3, 2013}} Murphy also underwent surgery for a torn meniscus he had originally injured in 2009.{{cite news|last1=Muskat|first1=Carrie|title=Murphy feels Cubs set for bounceback season|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/chc/donnie-murphy-feels-cubs-set-for-bounce-back-season-in-2014?ymd=20140211&content_id=67648622&vkey=news_chc|access-date=August 17, 2014|work=MLB.com|date=February 11, 2014}}

=Texas Rangers=

On March 26, 2014, Murphy was claimed off waivers from the Chicago Cubs by the Texas Rangers.{{cite web|last=Durrett|first=Richard|title=Rangers acquire Donnie Murphy|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/10677233/texas-rangers-acquire-donnie-murphy-chicago-cubs|work=ESPN.com|access-date=March 26, 2014|author2=Rogers, Jesse|date=26 March 2014}} He was designated for assignment on July 7. With the Rangers, he hit .196, with 4 homers, 14 RBIs, and 11 walks.{{cite news|title=Rangers demote slumping Choice in flurry of moves|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=11188587|access-date=July 8, 2014|agency=Associated Press|work=ESPN.com|date=July 7, 2014}} He was released on July 9.{{cite news|last1=Baer|first1=Bill|title=Braves sign Donnie Murphy to a minor league deal|url=http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/08/16/braves-sign-donnie-murphy-to-a-minor-league-deal/|access-date=August 17, 2014|publisher=NBC Sports|date=August 16, 2014}}

=Cincinnati Reds=

On July 18, Murphy was signed by the Cincinnati Reds and assigned to AAA Louisville. He was released in August.

=Atlanta Braves=

Murphy signed with Atlanta Braves on August 16, 2014.{{cite news|last1=Vivlamore|first1=Chris|title=Braves sign Donnie Murphy|url=http://www.ajc.com/news/sports/baseball/braves-sign-donnie-murphy/ng4Km/|access-date=August 17, 2014|publisher=Atlanta Journal-Constitution|date=August 16, 2014}}

=Second stint with the Brewers=

Murphy re-signed with the Milwaukee Brewers for the 2015 season and was assigned to AAA Colorado Springs Sky Sox. On August 2, 2015, Murphy was released by the Brewers.

Coaching career

On February 23, 2016, the Toronto Blue Jays hired Murphy to be their new hitting coach for the Single-A Lansing Lugnuts for the 2016 season.{{Cite news| url = http://www.thespec.com/sports-story/6330333-blue-jays-just-not-talking/| title = Blue Jays just not talking| date = 2016-02-23| newspaper = The Hamilton Spectator| access-date = 2016-03-01}}

Murphy became the hitting coach for the High-A Dunedin Blue Jays on January 10, 2018.{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/schneider-promoted-double-blue-jays-finalize-milb-staffs/|title=Schneider promoted to double-A as Blue Jays finalize MiLB staffs|last=Davidi|first=Shi|work=Sportsnet|date=January 10, 2018|access-date=January 10, 2018}}

After spending the 2019 season as the hitting coach for the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats, Murphy was named the manager for Dunedin on January 31, 2020.

On March 9, 2021, Murphy was named the manager of the Vancouver Canadians for the 2021 season.{{Cite web|url=https://theprovince.com/sports/baseball/toronto-blue-jays-name-donnie-murphy-manager-of-the-vancouver-canadians|title=Toronto Blue Jays name Donnie Murphy manager of the Vancouver Canadians|work=theprovince }}

Murphy was named as the bench coach for the Buffalo Bisons the Triple-A affiliate for the 2024 season.